There are several locks on the St Lawrence River. Two of them are on the U.S. side and the others are on the Canadian side. As we approached the first lock (Iroqois lock) we observed a commercial ship moving into the lock. We were told to tie up at the transit dock, purchase our ticket and wait to be called. Commercial traffic has the priority in the locks. There was another ship behind us and we waited for him to pass through also.
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| M/V Algonova coming into lock; M/Y Potest Fieri and M/Y Aloha Friday at transient dock - Iroquois Lock |
We crossed over into Canada after passing through the Iroquois Lock on the St Lawrence River and checked into the Crysler Marina in the Morrisburg, Ontario area. Ted checked into customs and paid duty on the wine aboard. Canadian friends say that is still cheaper than buying it in Canada. Three boats are still traveling together at this point. Took a dip in the pool to cool off. The highlight of our stay here was a trip into the outskirts of Ottawa where I purchased an iPad 2. Yea! I've been lusting after one of those for quite awhile.
10-11 July 2011 Crysler Marine to Port de Plaisance Lachine, Quebec, Canada
2 American locks and 2 Canadian locks today. Eisenhower and Snell dropped us a total of 90'. Upper Beauharnois and Lower Beauharnois dropped us another 82' total. These locks are not free. $60.00 for the first two and another $50.00 for the second two.
From the marina, we are right above the Lachine Canal which was the original way to get to Montreal. The canal only has an air height of 8' so we all put the dinghies into the water and got to the first lock at 0900.
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| Ted, Danny & Susan. Karen & Roger & their guests |
What great trip! 4 locks and 8 miles each way. We had lunch and Montreal and did a bit of sightseeing. Stopped at the Atwater Market on the way back.
12 July 2011 Lachine to Sorel, Quebec, Canada
Our last two locks on the St Lawrence; St Catherine and St Lambert plus another fifty bucks. We pass alongside the Port of Montreal. To say it is quite large would be an understatement. Lots of beautful churches along the route. We ended our long day in Sorel. Big storm hit us as we approached the small marina basin so we stood off until it cleared.
13 July 2011. Sorel to Trois Rivieres, Quebec, Canada
Before we left Sorel we headed to the library looking for free WiFi. As the library was not open yet, we found the Presse Cafe and found WiFi and breakfast! Departed Sorel and crossed a choppy Lac St Pierre. Once moored I spent the rest of the day locating, downloading and installing a VPN app for my iPad. A must when using free, unsecured WiFi! Not here long enough to explore town - it is a bike ride across the bridge.
14 July 2011 Trois Rivieres to Portneuf, Quebec, Canada
Beautiful day for a cruise. Watched a Canadian CG ship survey the depths in an area large ships use. We think those are transducers (depth sounders) on the rake like structure the ship is towing.
We passed through the Richelieu Rapids and our knot meter showed us doing a max of 13 knots in 65' of water! The navigation aid is also an indicator.
99% of the marinas in Canada have wifi. The marinas are typically smaller and dominated by sailboats or small powerboats. Here's the marina at Portneuf.
15 July 2011 Portneuf to Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
As we approached Quebec City the first sight we recognized was that of the Chateau Frontenac.
Quebec City deserves an entry of its own so I'll end this blog here.
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